Telstra NATSIAA 2020 finalists announced
Sixty-five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists have been selected to exhibit in the 2020 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA), Australia’s most prestigious and longest running Indigenous art awards.
Finalists include 25 from the NT, 16 from WA, 16 from SA and 8 from QLD, NSW, ACT and Victoria.
Larrakia/Wadaman/Karajarri Curator Tina Baum, Wadjarri/Nhanda/Nyoongar Curator Glenn Iseger-Pilkington and MAGNT Curator of Aboriginal Art and Material Culture Luke Scholes selected this year’s finalists.
“Pre-selection was challenging, as we knew it would be, but it was also incredibly reaffirming to see the unique ways people are telling stories, the ways people are reinventing traditional forms and materials and the generosity of our community in sharing the most personal, and often challenging stories, through their diverse practices.” – Tina Baum
“Congratulations to this year’s 67 finalists. It is always a resounding joy to discover and announce Telstra NATSIAA finalists each year. We are elated to receive such a diverse range of submissions, especially during this difficult time. We are holding steadfast to the 37-year legacy of these awards. We continue our commitment to celebrating the rich culture and artistic practice of this year’s Telstra NATSIAA finalists.” – MAGNT Director Marcus Schutenko.
More than ever, now is an opportunity for us to support and connect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and art centres with audiences around Australia. MAGNT and Telstra are working through the development of an uplifting reimagined awards and exhibition experience in 2020 for our artists and audiences,” said Mr Schutenko.
Telstra CEO Andrew Penn said; “Congratulations to this year’s finalists, once again the calibre of submissions is absolutely superb. Whatever the style, whatever the medium, there is an extraordinary power and beauty in Indigenous art and given the times we are in, it gives us a chance to be inspired and helps us to see the world differently.
“Staying connected during this time of self-isolation is so important. There is no better way to do so than through the medium of this incredible art,” he said.
Among the finalists, 2020 Telstra NATSIAA is set to showcase 11 emerging artists who have practiced for less than 5 years.
“Our shared vision with Telstra is to provide a world class platform for the very best Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art for Telstra NATSIAAs finalists and winners,” Mr Schutenko explained.
The 2020 Telstra NATSIAA received 238 entries submitted by Indigenous artists from urban areas and remote communities across the nation.
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